New York to Hawaii Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Hawaii

ConsNew York

• Freezing winter temps
• Nor'easter snowstorms
• Slushy sidewalks
• Packed rush hours
• Constant street noise
• Tiny apartment space
• Limited beach access
• Concrete-heavy scenery
• Gray winter skies
• Humid summer heat
• Pollen-heavy springs
• Snow shoveling chores

ProsHawaii

• Warm year-round weather
• No winter blizzards
• Clean sandy beaches
• Laid-back daily rhythm
• Calmer natural soundscapes
• Outdoor living focus
• Everyday ocean access
• Lush green landscapes
• Abundant sunny days
• Cooling trade winds
• Year-round greenery
• No snow shoveling

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Hawaii

• Limited transit options
• Earlier closing times
• Fewer major museums
• Smaller dining variety
• Fewer nonstop routes
• Smaller job market
• Lower wage ceilings
• Fewer big events
• More car dependence
• Fewer major teams
• Farther from mainland
• Narrower local networks

New York

• Extensive public transit
• 24/7 conveniences
• World-class museums
• Diverse dining scene
• Global flight hub
• Large job market
• Higher salary potential
• Frequent cultural events
• Highly walkable streets
• Pro sports teams
• Nearby weekend getaways
• Deep professional networks

Pros of moving from New York to Hawaii

• Say goodbye to freezing winter temps and hello to warm year-round weather
• Look forward to moving away from nor'easter snowstorms and moving to Hawaii with no winter blizzards
• Swap the slushy sidewalks of New York for clean sandy beaches in Hawaii
• Get ready for a laid-back daily rhythm in Hawaii

Cons of moving from New York to Hawaii

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from extensive public transit in New York to live with limited transit options in Hawaii
• You'll lose out on the pro of 24/7 conveniences and have to settle for the con of earlier closing times
• Time to bid farewell to world-class museums and get used to fewer major museums in Hawaii
• Swap a diverse dining scene for smaller dining variety

New York vs. Hawaii: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New York to Hawaii, you will be trading the iconic Bagel with Lox of New York for the equally delicious Poke of Hawaii. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful Pastrami on Rye and sumptuous Hot Dog, Hawaii residents know they have tasty Kalua Pig and Spam Musubi to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Taro Dishes of Hawaii. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and Per Se. After the boxes are unpacked in Hawaii, don't wait too long before making your way to Hawaii's acclaimed eateries like Alan Wong's, Helena's Hawaiian Food, and Roy's Hawaii.

When comparing lifestyles, Hawaii shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than New York. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Hawaii, compared to what you are used to in New York. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Hawaii.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Hawaii

• The high-rise apartments and brownstones architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the plantation and modern Hawaii architecture typical of Hawaii.
• Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transport and views, Hawaii real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and sustainable living.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Hawaii is less walkable than New York.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Hawaii is less bike-friendly than New York.
• Hawaii has less of an urban feel than New York.
• Hawaii housing costs are 86% more expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $858,106 compared to New York’s $460,812.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Hawaii have increased by 38% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
• Rent in Hawaii is 17.36% more expensive than in New York.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New York and Hawaii

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from New York to Hawaii. Hawaii gets 23% more sunshine days than New York.
• Hawaii has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and hurricanes in New York, but be on the lookout for potential volcanoes and hurricanes in Hawaii.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Hawaii is 6 degrees warmer than in New York.
• The average winter lows in Hawaii are 39 degrees warmer than they are in New York.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Hawaii. Hawaii receives 13.8 more inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Hawaii

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Hawaii tend to earn about 16% more than those in New York
• The COLI in Hawaii will be 61% higher than what you are used to living in New York
• The state income tax in HI is between 1.4% and 11% compared to 4% and 8.82% in NY
• The affluence in Hawaii is middle compared to high in New York
• The poverty level is moderate in Hawaii compared to moderate in New York
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in New York and high in Hawaii

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Hawaii

• New York tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Hawaii, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic
• Hawaii's religious environment can be described as diverse with Asian influences
• New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse